Magical Express -yay or nay?

[Vremfar]

We're planning our first trip to WWD in 20 years, (the kids 11 & 13 have never been) for next December. Trying to decide if the magical express is worth it. I'd love to hear opinions for and against. WHat other options would you recommend if not ME?

Thanks!

 

[squirrel]

If you don't plan on leaving Disney property then why bother renting a car-use DME.

I use it every year-fast, efficient and it doesn't cost me anything. Love that I don't have to go and claim my bags (you don't have to do that if you choose another way of getting to your resort).

I haven't had to wait in lines to get to the resort-my neighbours missed the bus I was on and they arrived about 5 min. or less after me.

On the bus they show a short video for the kids and adults about the check in process and what you can see and do at WDW.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

My family loves the ME.......gets you in the Disney mood really fast!

We have used it many times never a problem, yet some have posted issues. While I am sure ME is not perfect, but most of the problems I have read about seem to be at least partially the guest not understanding the system or in my opinion, someone just needing to complain!

I would at least give it a try!

Have a great trip!

AKK

 

[goofy4tink]

Depends on your needs. I've used DME many times, I've used a towncar service many times, I've used Mears shuttle once. So, here are my approximate times with each...
DME..average of 70 mins from gate to resort. Most times were right around that hour mark, with one trip taking close to 90 mins.

Towncar....with carryon bags only, it took as little as 45 mins. Walked to level 2, met driver, down to level 1 and into the vehicle.
With checked bags, it took between an hour and 70 mins..dependent on how long it took my bag(s) to come through.

Mears shuttle..took it to the Dolphin since DME doesn't go there. Took about 85 mins. I had no checked bag though...so you would have to add in another 15 mins for that. We made multiple stops before hitting WDW proper. I did enjoy the ride though...met some fun people and had some great conversation.

So, long story short, a towncar will save you about 30 mins if you have no checked bags. If you do have to go to baggage claim, a car service will be a bit less time than DME.
With DME you do have to factor in possible line wait times....but you don't have to worry about your luggage either.

If you don't want to bother with lines, riding a bus with others, and want a more 'special' type experience and don't mind paying for it, go with a car service. I always just factor in 90 mins of travel time...gate to resort worst case scenario. Then, I have that extra money to spend on food at WDW!!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

It's free and it is so worth it.

It is so nice landing at MCO and just boarding a bus to your resort, knowing that your luggage will be taken care of and delivered to your resort room.

We love ME!

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

We've never had any issues at all. Best of all you can decide whether to pick up your bags yourself to bring onto the bus or have ME do it for you - I guess it would depend on when you're arriving and when you want to receive your bags.

It can be abit of a pain waiting in line for the bus, or waiting on the bus for it to depart - but for me, I don't mind the wait as it gives me some time to unwind from the flight and relax.

 

[Vijoge]

We love Magical Express! It makes us feel like we're AT Disney the minute we land! They did misplace our luggage for a few hours once, but they found it and delivered it, so no big deal.

 

[iluveeyore]

I say 'Yay' - starts off the Disney magic right away. And we usually always collect our luggage just so we have it with us to unpack and change as soon as we check in. Never adds more that 20 minutes gathering our bags ourselves. And if you need a rental car (which we always do for groceries) we usually do a one day rental from the Car Care Center at Disney with Alamo/National. They'll pick you up at your resort, take you to the car, and then once you return the car, they'll drop you off back at your resort.
Years ago, before ME, we used to have to pay around $29 each for the Mears shuttle, so having the Magic Express free for our family is a huge savings. Give it a try!

 

[Dacky619]

It's free and it is so worth it.
It is so nice landing at MCO and just boarding a bus to your resort, knowing that your luggage will be taken care of and delivered to your resort room.

We love ME!

That's what I was going to say. You don't pay anything extra, and in our experiences ME has been pretty quick. Not to mention we love watching the little disney videos on the bus, that gets us in vacation mode even quicker.

 

[gokenin]

How late does DME run? Thinking of taking a flight down that wouldn't land till sometime around 8 or so would it still be running then?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Yay DME! We have used it dozens of times since it began, with great success.

 

[disneychic2]

I'll jump on the bandwagon of lovers of ME! The bus is always spotless, the seat comfy and the ride entertaining. We've never had to wait in line for the bus more than 15 minutes or so, and usually less, but it really depends on timing. They do their best to make it a positive experience for you. Meanwhile, you get to chat with people who love Disney too. And the excitement of being at Disney really does begin on the bus and increases as you get closer.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

How late does DME run? Thinking of taking a flight down that wouldn't land till sometime around 8 or so would it still be running then?

ME busses run all night as needed. Remember, you need a reservation. However, if you arrive after 10:00 PM you will have to get your own luggge as baggage delivery is suspended over night.

You should be able to take full advantage of ME if you arrive at 8:00 pm.

 

[happymommy]

I'm the odd one out. I took ME once, and it was awful. Well, not really awful, but it was well over 2 hours to get to the BWI. We waited and waited and waited. Then finally we were off, and had 2 stops before our resort. While in line, I debated just taking a cab (should have) but was out of cash at the time (stupid I know, I usually carrry some money but needed to go to the ATM).

In the past, we've always used a towncar or rented a car for one day and returned to the Dolphin (Alamo or National).

For a first time, I'd not recommend renting a car. You don't know the area well, and so it can be a pain. I would recommend a towncar service with a quick grocery stop. The vacation is already costing, so really for the extra $100 or so, I'd do that.

I know, so many folks love ME. I just didn't.

 

[backyardponder]

DME

 

[The 4 "Quay"balleros]

We've used DME our last couple trips and a town car in '04. Yes a town car was quicker and more comfortable, but a hundred some odd dollars and tip.... We've never had any issues with DME coming or going. It's convenient and free!

 

[kwdw]

We're planning our first trip to WWD in 20 years, (the kids 11 & 13 have never been) for next December. Trying to decide if the magical express is worth it. I'd love to hear opinions for and against. WHat other options would you recommend if not ME?

Thanks!

If you are ONLY going to Disney and not off property, ME is fine.

It can take 4 hours to get your luggage, however. If you are arriving "later" - say after 7 pm - you might want to get your luggage from baggage claim instead of using the ME luggage service. Or - put stuff for everyone to get ready for bed in your carry-on. Arriving earlier in the day - no problem.

Also - with kids that age and what I suspect might be longer trip - do you want a trip to the grocery store for snacks, water, breakfast items? If so - that argues for a towncar.

Going to US/IOA? Seaworld? Etc? Rent a car!

I've done both - I prefer renting a car, but sometimes the expense doesn't make sense depending upon the details of the trip.

 

[SOnotLayuh]

We LOOOOVE DME. We are so excited that we are flying and get to take it again next month... we've been driving for the past year and a half.

The mood it sets up, the seats, not waiting for luggage, it's all just perfect. I think the longest time it's ever taken us from gate to resort was 70 minutes as well, but those minutes FLY.